3 days ago
Everyday Hero: A lifetime of service
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, was recently presented to Rear Adm. James H Flatley III aboard the USS Yorktown—the perfect place to honor a man who dedicated his life to protecting others and preserving history.
'It's a man whose given service over himself his whole life and is an example to us all,' said Chauncey Clark with the USS Yorktown Foundation.
Similar words are often spoken about Admiral. Flatley, who was surrounded by family and friends for the special ceremony
The Order of the Palmetto is presented to the South Carolinian who has demonstrated extraordinary lifetime achievements, service, and contributions of national and statewide significance.
Admiral Flatley, who is 91 years old and lives in Mount Pleasant, graduated from the Naval Academy. He was a US Naval aviator from 1956 until his retirement in 1987. He flew combat missions in Vietnam.
But what made this ceremony special for Admiral Flatley was that it was aboard the same aircraft carrier in which his father landed the first Hellcat fighter plane.
'That meant a lot because it goes so far back to my dad helping put this ship together and get it to sea. You know he was a World War 2 hero. All the more reason to follow in his footsteps, which I tried to do,' Flatley explained.
Admiral Flatley is no stranger to making history. In 1963, he became the first person to complete 21 C-130 Hercules landings on an aircraft carrier.
In later years, after retirement, Admiral Flatley also ran Patriots Point for seven years. He has spent a lifetime dedicated to service.
'I think you can't find a lifetime that's more expansive than his was from his Navy career to his community career,' said Clark.
He is the kind of person who thanks others who were there to thank him, and now he will always be remembered for his outstanding service and career.
'That's why we honor him here today. It's something we're losing in the American society today. People that give everything for their country and for their family' said Clark.
Congratulations, Admiral Flatley!
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